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Laloo resorts to rhetoric under CBI threat
Arun Srivastava
PATNA, May 16 : Bihar Chief Minister Laloo Prasad Yadav, seemingly cornered by the CBI team seeking his prosecution in the fodder scam, has renewed attack against his detractors.Addressing a meeting in suburban Patna, an area dominated by members of the backward castes, on Thursday, Laloo reiterated that he would not resign under any circumstances. He threatened that he would take his struggle to the rural areas, which have been recognised as his stronghold.He dared the opposing forces to form a government by removing him from office. ``I know their abilities. I also know whether the people of Bihar will accept them or not. Let them do what they like. I am here to face their challenge,'' he declared.Despite his seeming confidence, this was the first time that Laloo ventured to warn the people against a new government. ``It will not do justice to you as it's objective will not be to achieve social justice,'' he said, in a brief departure from his confrontationist stand of putting up a brave fight.However, he quickly reverted to his usual blustering self, declaring that ``Mahabharata was fought for five villages. I am not going to succumb to any pressure and give out my villages without a tough fight''.Though Laloo did not specify his course of action, sources close to him maintained that he may seek recourse in a legal battle and move the Supreme Court.Sources say that Laloo was apprehensive of the Governor's moves and the latter's meeting with CBI Joint Director UN Biswas yesterday, strengthened his fears that Kidwai may grant sanction for prosecution before May 19, when the case comes up for hearing before the Patna HCBiswas' arrival with his entire contingent of CBI officials has sparked widespread speculation in political circles here. The possibility of the Chief Minister's house being searched by the CBI before May 19 has not been ruled out.During his meeting with the Governor, Biswas is reported to have clarified the CBI's stand and emphasised on the necessity of conducting a detailed search in Laloo's house. Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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